What Is Domestic Violence?

Domestic Violence is …

A pattern of coercive and controlling behaviors used to gain power and control over another person. Abuse can be verbal, emotional, psychological, financial, sexual, and/or physical. Domestic violence is not an isolated, individual event, but a series of controlling and manipulative behaviors used to control the victim.

Domestic violence usually escalates over time and results in serious injury or death.

Facts on Domestic Violence…
Approximately 95% of the victims of domestic violence are women (Dept. of Justice).
Domestic violence cuts across race, class, social, and economic backgrounds.
Every 9 seconds in the U.S, a woman is assaulted and beaten.
4,000,000 women a year are assaulted by their partners.
Domestic violence is more common than muggings, auto accidents, and rape combined.
Domestic violence is the number one cause of emergency room visits by women.
The most dangerous room in the house is the bedroom. The most fatal domestic violence episodes end in this room.
Weapons are used in 30% of domestic violence incidents.
Battering often occurs during pregnancy. 37% of pregnant women are battered while pregnant.
The Power and Control Wheel links different behaviors that together form a pattern of violence. It shows how each behavior is an important part of how someone is controlled.

Every Bit Counts
$10 - buys milk, bread, & eggs for a family for 1 week.